Hi, I was looking at the Chenrezig Initiation and noticed that it was "Open to all practitioners" - what does this mean? Can I still attend if I don't practice what I preach?

Do we know how long the ceremony will take?

Can I take my 3 year old daughter?

Do I need to register in advance? ... its only 5 days away!

Hi Anth,

Chenrezig is the Buddha of compassion, and taking this initiation will plant a seed in your mind that can take you to enlightenment, if you water the seed by practising the good heart. One way of practising is doing the Chenrezig practise and reciting the mantra of Chenrezig 'Om mani padme hum'. Lama Choden Rinpoche might ask us to recite one mala, or 108 recitations of this mantra each day in order to water the seed.

The initiation will take around three hours, and I would not recommend taken your children with you, as three hours is a long time, and because they can't practise consciously there might be not so much benefit.

We like you to register, so that you have your ticket and do not have to wait at the door.
Make sure that you are on time, which is at least half an hour before the teachings.

Jamyang

This is the latest update about the Chenrezig initiation:

Choden Rinpoche will give a Chenrezig empowerment. An empowerment can be received on different levels.
For those who have taken an initiation before: you can take the empowerment as a subsequent permission to do the Chenrezig practise.
For those who have not taken an initiation before there are several options:
1. You have no experience in Buddhism, but are curious and would love to have the experience of being in the presence of a highly realised being: you can come and take the ceremony as a blessing.
2. For those who would like to take refuge and become a Buddhist there will be an opportunity to take refuge with Rinpoche during the ceremony.
3. For those who would like to take the Bodhisattva vows there will be the opportunity to do so. In order to take the Bodhisattva vows you also must take refuge.

There is no particular commitment with the empowerment, but it is good to recite the mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum' as much as possible.
Jamyang

I must say, Jamyang's post sounds so welcoming and is respectful of anyone, wherever they are on their path